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cantabile-reaper [2009-07-23 17:45:30 +0000 UTC]

Overall

Vision

Originality

Technique

Impact

First of all, I have to say I am in love with the colours and feel of this image, particularly the emotion portrayed in the thick rolling clouds. The image gives a very strong first impression, and there is such movement in the piece that I can easily visualize the tossing of the horse's head, the sweeping of the storm clouds, and perhaps the sound of distant thunder in the wind.

In terms of originality, I can't say that any horse manipulation would be really that original. It seems that we as artists of the equine community have exhausted every possible pose, lighting, mood, story, et cetera. I've see those particular pose used a lot. However, you have added your own flair to the image with the look of breaking free from chains, so you scored some points there.

As for technique, the first thing I must say is that your blending of the background between the sky and the mountains is absolutely stunning. I don't see a single flaw; it is smooth and flowing and superb. The colours you have selected work excellently, as well. However, the horse itself doesn't blend extraordinarily with everything. It's not to say that it's bad, because it's not. You've done better than a lot of people could, but there should be more of a blue glow (so to speak) reflected on the animal from the light of the surroundings, particularly on the neck, the flank, and the back legs. The mane and tail also seem to contradict in flow. The image itself suggests movement and the motions of the clouds tell me that wind should be involved. The horses mane as it's tossing its head is moving back, up, and to the right. However, the tail is just hanging there when it should be mimicking the movement of the mane, even at least slightly.

I have noticed that you painted in some highlights over the curves of the horse. Kudos to you for that. It shows that you thought about light positioning and details other people might have missed. My suggestion would be to use a slightly softer brush and soften the look of those lines so that they aren't that harsh. Remember, light is fluid.

The chains you have painted add to the effect of the image, but they seem a little rushed and obviously painted, particularly the bottom ones. The links should be a little more even in size, and a bit more shading would work to your advantage. Simply dodging and burning would work well here. Then, I would take a sharpen brush on 30% strength over them so they aren't quite as soft and "painted" looking.

Speaking of shading, you've done a great job with shadow placement in relevance to the original light source of the background. The only suggestion I have would be to darken that highlight on the horse's back leg a bit so it matches the rest of the shadows.

Over all, a great photo manipulation. I can't stop looking at the magnificent clouds, and you blended that background to perfection. There is such strong vision and style in this piece -- Keep it up!

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TheTwistedFate [2010-07-15 18:45:10 +0000 UTC]

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Equine-luver [2009-12-24 05:29:42 +0000 UTC]

That looks awesome!!
How do you get the horse to blend in like that?

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EternalDesteny [2009-07-30 18:04:53 +0000 UTC]

You can really feel the spirit! Great picture.

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inzii-binzii [2009-07-25 17:00:03 +0000 UTC]

the chain looks fandabby, hun. =]
mebbe a bit of darkening around the hooves to make them look a little more grounded?
really atmospheric piece though, gorgeous. <3

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DearRinde [2009-07-24 07:13:33 +0000 UTC]

This is lovely!

You could make the chain more metal by adding more grey-tones and dodge some highlights in it, right now it looks a bit like rope. I think there is nothing wrong with the mane, they are rather good. There is only one thing I do not understand. If you look at the clouds and the left side of the horses body, you can see the sun highlighting it. So, I assume the shadow of the horse should ben on the right side. I think the angle is good, but the direction isn't.

But, I have to say that it's a really powerfull piece of art! Good job.

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SaberDelta [2009-07-23 02:39:11 +0000 UTC]

I like it. I used to have a horse, but she was stolen =[

The mane isn't bad at all. The neck is a bit long though, and as others have said, the chin is a bit off, but I didn't even notice at first.

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sparkeling-diamond [2009-07-22 21:44:22 +0000 UTC]

Oh gosh! I just uploaded this horse. in a mnaip I did lol!!! WOW the mane looks very similar

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jcspenny [2009-07-22 20:13:02 +0000 UTC]

This looks great. I love the mane and tail, and I think you did a good job with the ball and chain. I agree with those who say the chin looks weird. It's those lighter lines (highlights?). The same goes for those on the chest. But other than that I love this.

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xChocolate-x [2009-07-22 18:49:25 +0000 UTC]

The chin of the horse is weird, and pay attention on the hoofs
What, youre manes are good! You have a Wacom Tablet! ;;
Damn, I have to wait for a couple of years XD
Great effects!

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emkdesigns [2009-07-22 18:48:19 +0000 UTC]

I think the hooves are fine, just a little on the rounded/circular side.

I saw "Break Free" and i started belting HSM.

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iZebrah [2009-07-22 18:34:42 +0000 UTC]

Nice, nice. But in my opinion the front hooves make it look a little weird. But yes, you did a great job with the lightning and the colors.

Great job.

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